Chapter 106 The Crazy Mother and the Depressed Daughter
Soon enough, the piercing wail of the ambulance siren shattered the tense silence. Paramedics jumped out, their urgent efficiency sweeping me aside as they converged on Edward. I stumbled and hit the floor, sitting there in a daze, my mind blank as if my soul had just checked out.
I watched, numb, as they loaded Edward and Anne onto stretchers. They looked so fragile and helpless. The white stretchers against the bloodstains were a harsh contrast, the red almost mocking my sanity.
"Hey, ma'am, are you family?" one of the paramedics asked, his voice urgent but polite. Snapping back to reality, I nodded vigorously and stammered, "Yes, I'm his wife."
"Okay, come with us. We need a family member to sign off on the treatment." His words were quick and to the point. I got up, my legs feeling like lead, and followed them into the ambulance, the air inside thick with tension.
I sat next to Edward. He was out cold from blood loss but still gripping my hand. I held on tight, hoping I could somehow give him strength. The frailty of his cold hand in mine sent shivers of dread through my spine. I looked at his pale face, fear and worry gnawing at me. Anne lay unconscious on another stretcher, her face streaked with dried tears, looking so worn out.
The ambulance sped through the streets, but I didn't notice the blur outside. My eyes were glued to Edward and Anne, praying they'd be okay.
We got to the hospital, and before the ambulance even stopped, doctors were there, lifting Edward and Anne out and rushing them into the ER. The doors closed, and I just stood there, frozen.
Lately, it felt like I was living at the hospital, each visit more gut-wrenching than the last. Just when I thought Edward and I had finally found some peace, he ends up getting hurt saving me. I stood in the corridor, guilt and self-blame weighing me down. I clasped my hands, silently praying for Edward, each breath filled with worry, each thought begging for his safety.
As I paced anxiously, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed through the hallway, each step pounding in my chest. I looked up and saw Clara, flanked by bodyguards, rushing towards me. Her face was a mix of anxiety and worry, her eyes desperate to know how her kids were.
Even in her hurry, she carried herself with a noble air, though her trembling lips and furrowed brows gave away her inner turmoil. Her fancy clothes seemed out of place; all that mattered was the deep concern in her eyes for her children. When Clara showed up with her entourage of bodyguards, a whirlwind of emotions hit me.
On one hand, I was scared and uneasy. Because Edward and Anne were her children, and now they were fighting for their lives in the ER. I was terrified Clara would blame me for everything, thinking I was the cause of this mess. I could almost feel her sharp gaze ready to cut through me with accusations and questions, and I had no idea how to face her.
On the other hand, guilt gnawed at me. Clara must be beside herself with worry, and I had failed to protect her children. Thinking about my history with Edward, I was filled with self-reproach. If I had been more careful, and if I hadn't let Anne lose control, maybe none of this would have happened. I feared Clara would resent me, and I'd lose my place in this family.
I quickly stood up, my face tense and uneasy, and greeted Clara respectfully, "Clara, you came all the way here so late." My voice shook a bit, my eyes showing a hint of guilt.
Clara's eyes were red and swollen, her voice thick with emotion. "Diana, how has the Howard family treated you?" she asked, her gaze piercing.
I nodded vigorously, speaking urgently, "You have treated me very well." My heart pounded, my hands clenching unconsciously.
"Alright, if we have treated you well, why do you keep hurting us? Do you want to drive Hayden to his grave? Or do you want my son and daughter to die because of you, to see the Howard family fall?" Clara's voice shook with anger and disappointment.
"Clara, today's incident really has nothing to do with me. It was Anne who stabbed Edward with a dinner knife and then stabbed herself," I explained anxiously, my voice breaking. I figured Clara might not know the whole story yet, so I tried to explain.
"I know you're very worried about them right now, and so am I. But please don't get agitated; let me tell you what happened." I looked at Clara, my eyes full of sincerity and helplessness. Tears welled up, but I held them back.
I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself, and continued, "Clara, today's incident was a complete accident. I never expected it to turn out this way. I know it's hard for you to accept, but please believe me, I never intended to hurt anyone." I looked at Clara intently, hoping she'd calm down and listen.
After all, I was a victim too. Recalling the earlier scene, I was still filled with fear and dread. But I understood Clara's feelings; as a mother, seeing her children hurt, the pain and anger were indescribable. I wished none of this had happened and hoped Clara could understand and believe me.
"Shut up!" Clara suddenly exploded like an enraged lion, her emotions spiraling out of control. Her eyes widened, glaring at me, and she shouted, "If it weren't for you, why would Anne lose control and start stabbing Edward? She has depression; why did you provoke her?" Clara's voice was sharp and piercing, echoing in the corridor, almost making my ears ring.
"Depression?" I widened my eyes, feeling incredulous.
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